The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-03-12
again ausriciously. These reports are
very encouraging.
MICHIGAN.
IRON REV. s. H. Robin.
Loyalty to State Work.


in the hearts of our ministers and laymer
there has developed slowly and almos
imperceptibly special loyalty to Stat'
work. While the spirit of the church a
large must OF course be nurtured, still
the portion of that spirit which descendi
in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode
Island, Pennsylvania, New York, ETC., &C
quires q stronger hold on the sympathie'
of the believers in the "great salvation
in these respective localities, than does the
spirit at large. And il this be true, it nc
doubt comes from the belief that this
concentration, or special conservation, il
the best means of bringing prosperity
and permanent good for the whole; that
it creates generous and healthful rivalry
in the pursuit of good works, seems Ger.
tain. And while the idealistic critic may
criticise such a motive for good works.
still the practical test proves it to be far
from pernicious. 1t looks to me as If, as
denomination, we would at the present
time be considerably less prosperous than
we are, had not this local feeling some
way found place. But while this condi-
ton of affairs may obtain in many of the
States, 1 am not so sure that it does in
all those that have our churches within
their border. And if the rule be a good
one, it is unfortunate that any should
fail to adopt it. But what are the indi-
cations that such tendency is at work in
our church? Funds for missionary work,
clubs for the fostering of the church
spirit, the culture and tone of the minis
try occupying the pulpits. There may
be other indications, but these are sutfi-
Gent for the purpose have in view in this
communication.
An Appeal to Michigan.
Ministers and laymen Of this State, will
you read what is said above in regard to
the special efforts which are being made
in other States, for an honorable show
ing in the great work of liberal religious
progress? Do those statements impress
you as truthful? If SO, do you not feel
that it would be eminently proper that
the Universalists of the State adopt this
method? Is there really any good reason
why we should not make as good show
ing, according to our numbers, nay even
much better, than any State in all the
East? I feel that there is every reason
to believe that with little unit ed effor
and healthful enthusiasm, we can forge
ahead to the leadership of the very van in
this movement. Who is the one to say
that am over sanguine in this utterance?
What is to Hinder!
Now, first of all, in regard to perma-
nent Missionary Fund. What is there to
hinder US in securing a round sum for
this most excellent work, but our own in
action? I am confident that there are
many men of wealth in our various
churches who would most willingly give
in this direction were the matter present
ed to them in reasonable Christian way.
We are not poor, and out upon any one
number or out. Our people are not
stingy if they see clearly the benefit to be
derived from any movement of this char
acter. They are as wisely economical as
they are prosperous, and that is well, and
moreover it is favorable TO all movements
which have wise financial policy. And
it is settled thing, presume, with ev-
cry one, that wise financial policy per-
vades all these endowment funds for
State missionary work.
The Pressing Need
of this very hour is $4,000 for this move
ment. know of several parishes which
could be created or put upon their feet
and set at work and return fifty per cent
of the investment in very short period,
and help in the larger work of the church
at once. We now depend on the uncer-
tain returns of parish contributions from
year to year, and with but little certainty
of getting financial aid at the proper time
in sufficient amount, though it would be
small, one begins work with many mis-
givings and is able at his best, under the
conditions, to do little better than half
hearted work. Brethren, this ought not
to be. / wish had the authority TO say
it must not be. Can we not in some way
set the ball rolling, so that fund for
missionary work in our State may be
started? Is there any generous spirit in
our State having control of purse able
to bear the draft who will send me snug
amount to begin this fund? Is it not pos
sible, brethren, for us to have before the
close of 1887, the sum of $4,000 invested
in good securities, the interest Of the
same to assist in the establishment of
new churches aud the resuscitation of old
churches in Michigan? Other States have
given us the hint; let us not be too dull
to take it.
Church Clubs.
Again, have had my eye upon those
church clubs in the East for some time,
and am convinced that they are power
for good. They bring representative
minde and glowing hearts together. They
make public ideas which otherwise would
die in some counting room, laboratory,
study OF elsewhere. They kndle enthu-
siasm for the principles of our faith, and
create a desire to be more largely useful,
with many who before have thought their